Monastery of Santa Maria de la Valldigna
A magnificent restored Cistercian monastery showcasing Gothic and Baroque architecture, set amidst serene gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Monastery of Santa Maria de la Valldigna
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent restored Cistercian monastery showcasing Gothic and Baroque architecture, set amidst serene gardens.
"A truly WOW experience with stunning ceilings and beautiful grounds, a must-visit!"
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the monastery is free, making it an accessible historical gem.
QR Code for History 📱
Use the QR code at the entrance for historical info, as the visitor center may be closed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Church Interior
Main Church Building
Marvel at the incredible polychrome ceiling and the remnants of baroque wall paintings, a testament to its former glory.
Cloisters
Cloisters
Wander through the beautiful cloisters, a work in progress that still showcases impressive vaulting and architectural details.
Gardens
Gardens
Stroll through serene gardens featuring lavender hedges and orange groves, offering a peaceful contrast to the historical structures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Ongoing Restoration
Historical Significance & Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the monastery is free, making it an accessible historical gem.
QR Code for History 📱
Use the QR code at the entrance for historical info, as the visitor center may be closed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds and ruins.
Allow Ample Time ⏳
Plan for at least 90 minutes to fully appreciate the accessible areas and ongoing restoration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the monastery is free, making it an accessible historical gem.
QR Code for History 📱
Use the QR code at the entrance for historical info, as the visitor center may be closed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds and ruins.
Allow Ample Time ⏳
Plan for at least 90 minutes to fully appreciate the accessible areas and ongoing restoration.
Explore the Town 🏘️
The small town of Simat de la Valldigna offers supermarkets, bars, and restaurants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Monastery of Santa Maria de la Valldigna for its impressive scale, stunning architectural details like polychrome ceilings, and beautiful gardens. The free admission is a significant draw, and many appreciate the ongoing restoration efforts that are bringing this historical gem back to life. Some areas being closed due to restoration are a minor drawback for a few.
"Admission was free and just from the panorama inside the gates it looked awesome. Founded in the 13th century, this was a very wealthy Cistercian monastery and it lasted until the mid 19th century when laws were passed against monastic holdings and the monastery artworks were sold or plundered. The monastery then became a farm and the buildings declined until the Valencian government bought them in 2003 and began the process of restoration.
The first room as you enter has a display of the history of the monastery and the wider political story in the area but this was all in Spanish so we skimmed through it. The gardens were a mix of lavender hedges and orange groves and the main church building had the most incredible interior, polychrome ceiling and the remains of baroque wall paintings. These were quite fantastic to see and most have been mind blowing in their heyday a few hundred years ago. There were several areas we couldn't enter due to the ongoing restoration but the work being done was quite superb. The cloisters were beautiful, although still a work in progress and there was some vaulting from a ceiling (but no ceiling) that looked fantastic. We spent about 90 minutes at the monastery."
Marcus Hurley
"Discovered this while out on a scooter close to our camping site at Xeraco and what an amazing piece of history of medieval architecture of stunning structures, the ceilings in the main rectory were mind blowing, the small town had supermarkets bars and restaurants, if you are in the area well worth seeing"
Chris Hewitt
"This monastery is in the process of being reconstructed and the work they have done already is amazing. This is a long term project but worth a visit to see what work has been undertaken."
Barry Hills
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monastery is located in Simat de la Valldigna, Valencia region. It's accessible by car, and there are mentions of a free motorhome aire nearby for campers. 
While specific parking details aren't widely mentioned, it's generally accessible by car. If you're traveling by motorhome, there's a dedicated aire nearby.
Yes, it's a feasible day trip from Valencia, offering a glimpse into historical architecture and a peaceful escape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission to the Monastery of Santa Maria de la Valldigna is free, making it a budget-friendly historical site to explore.
The touristic center might be closed in August, with a reopening in September. It's advisable to check local information or use the QR code for details.
No, tickets are not required as the entry is free. However, checking for any temporary closures or specific event schedules is recommended.
While the monastery itself is generally accessible, specific visitor center hours might vary, especially during off-peak seasons or holidays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the main church with its stunning polychrome ceilings and baroque wall paintings, wander through the cloisters, and enjoy the gardens. +1 The site also offers historical context about its Cistercian past.
The monastery is undergoing a long-term restoration process. While many areas are accessible and beautifully presented, some parts may still be under reconstruction. +1
Most visitors spend around 90 minutes exploring the accessible parts of the monastery and its grounds.
Yes, the monastery offers many picturesque spots, from the architectural details of the church and cloisters to the serene gardens, making it great for photography.
Information on guided tours is not widely available, but the QR code at the entrance provides historical context. Exploring independently allows for a more personal experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the monastery. However, the nearby town of Simat de la Valldigna has supermarkets, bars, and restaurants.
Picnicking is generally not advertised within historical sites. It's best to enjoy your meals in the town or designated areas outside the monastery grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The main church's polychrome ceiling and baroque wall paintings are highlights. The cloisters and the surrounding gardens also offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the historical site and other visitors. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the artwork.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy in the designated areas outside the monastery, as food options within the site are limited. The nearby town of Simat de la Valldigna also provides family-friendly dining choices.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save on costs during your visit. The 90-minute exploration time is also efficient, allowing you to see a significant historical site without dedicating an entire day's budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Journey Through Time
Visitors often express awe at the polychrome ceilings and the surviving baroque wall paintings, which hint at the monastery's former grandeur. Even in its partially restored state, the scale and detail of the construction are impressive. The cloisters, though still a work in progress, reveal the intricate vaulting and the thoughtful design of monastic living spaces.
The restoration process is a key part of the visitor experience, allowing you to witness history being carefully brought back to life. While some areas might be cordoned off, the visible progress and the dedication to preserving the site are commendable.
Exploring the Grounds and Gardens
The layout of the monastery, set amidst the Valencian countryside, offers beautiful panoramic views.
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